Governor Cuomo Announces Nano Job Fair in Mohawk Valley Draws More Than 1,500 Applicants in Major Show of Support for Nano Utica Initiative

April 30, 2014

From the Office of Governor Andrew Cuomo

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the overwhelming success of the first Nano Utica Job Fair, held in cooperation with the New York State Department of Labor and the SUNY College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering (CNSE) and its corporate partners.

An estimated 1,700 people attended the job fair today on the Utica campus of the newly merged SUNYIT/CNSE, with more than 1,500 pre-registered participants and additional walk-ins. Due to the overwhelming response, organizers are now considering plans for additional outreach efforts.

The Nano job fair was held to help fill more than 300 current and future openings at the Computer Chip Commercialization Center (Quad-C). Annual salaries range from $35,000 to over $100,000 for the positions, which are funded by the Research Foundation for SUNY and Quad-C tenant companies, including Advanced Nanotechnology Solutions, nfrastructure, and Valutek.

“We are pleased to announce that the first job fair to fill positions opening as part of the exciting new Nano Utica initiative was a tremendous success,” Governor Cuomo said. “More than 1,500 interested job seekers expressed interest in partnering in the growth and revitalization of the Mohawk Valley, a demonstration that our approach and strategy to rebuilding this region's economy is working."

President and CEO of the newly merged SUNYIT/CNSE Dr. Alain Kaloyeros said, “The attendance at today’s Nano job fair is a testament to the success of Governor Cuomo’s Nano Utica initiative. The Governor knew this region had a highly skilled workforce that could support the state’s second hub for nanotechnology, and today that workforce answered the call. We applaud the Governor for his leadership and look forward to welcoming Oneida County residents into this exciting and growing career field.”

New York State Department of Labor Commissioner Peter M. Rivera said, “Through the Nano Utica Job Fair, Governor Cuomo has provided thousands of people with the opportunity to be a part of New York State’s rising high-tech economy. The Department of Labor is thrilled with the turnout and excitement surrounding this event. The highly qualified candidates who attended this event prove that the Mohawk Valley has what it takes to support the state’s second hub for nanotechnology-based research and development.”

New York State Office of General Services Commissioner RoAnn Destito said, “Utica has a long history of success in business and industry, and today, more than 2,000 people said they want to help write the next chapter in that story. The overwhelming support and attendance for the Nano Utica job fair is proof that Governor Cuomo has re-energized this entire region. He is creating historic opportunities in Oneida County, and we applaud the Governor for realizing the potential of its people.”

Senator Joe Griffo said, “This is what the Nano Utica initiative is about; opening the door to exciting new career opportunities through job fairs like the one today. We want to thank Governor Cuomo for his leadership and his commitment, as well as our local government partners. Working together, we are making good things happen." Assemblyman Anthony Brindisi said, “This is an major milestone in the development of Governor Cuomo’s Nano Utica initiative. We have seen investment in buildings and other infrastructure, but today we begin to witness investment in our people. Oneida County has an exciting future in nanotechnology and a world class workforce ready to support it.

Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente said, “As a result of Governor Cuomo’s leadership, Oneida County and this entire region are poised for powerful growth, driven by the latest technologies. This is yet another piece of this county’s economic puzzle that is coming together right on schedule, revealing a vivid picture of broad-based opportunities for students and job seekers alike.”

Utica Mayor Robert Palmieri said, “The Nano Utica Job Fair will offer opportunity to thousands of people in our community. The fact that nanotechnology is here and is coming to our region is exciting and will serve as a true catalyst for economic development. As a result of our residents high level of interest we are pleased that there will be a second Nano Utica Job Fair to ensure everyone has a chance to apply and interview for these exciting career opportunities.”

Town of Marcy Supervisor Brian Scala said, “Through collaboration between academia, private corporations and local and state government, unprecedented opportunities are being created in our town and throughout New York State. As a testament to Governor Cuomo’s leadership, it is truly encouraging to see so many people interested in this Nano Job Fair that has opened the doors to a growing number of challenging careers in our region which is fast-becoming a world-renowned innovation hub.”

Mohawk Valley Economic Development Growth Enterprises Corporation (EDGE) President Steve DiMeo said, “In partnership with SUNY CNSE, SUNYIT, and leading advanced technology corporations, we are thrilled to see the Governor’s Nano Utica initiative take another leap forward with this job fair that has offered hundreds of meaningful careers for local job seekers. It represents a new day for this region as Mohawk Valley EDGE and our partners continue to fulfill the promise of this incredible economic effort.”

Job fair participants were provided with an opportunity to learn more about current and future openings, complete and submit applications, and participate in introductory interviews. A significant outreach effort was made to invite women, veterans, and minority candidates to participate in the Nano Utica Job Fair. Details on subsequent outreach efforts will be provided when available.

About the State University of New YorkThe State University of New York is the largest comprehensive system of higher education in the United States, with 64 college and university campuses located within 30 miles of every home, school and business in the state. In 2015–16, SUNY served nearly 1.3 million students, including nearly 600,000 in credit-bearing courses and programs and more than 700,000 through continuing education and community outreach programs. SUNY students and faculty across the state make significant contributions to research and discovery, resulting in nearly $1 billion of externally sponsored activity each year. There are 3 million SUNY alumni worldwide, and one in three New Yorkers with a college degree is a SUNY alum. To learn more about how SUNY creates opportunity, visit www.suny.edu.